What does it mean to be a member of CrownBRASS?

Being a member of CrownBRASS means that no detail is too small or left unnoticed. Always doing everything with confidence, and NEVER being afraid to make mistakes, even if you are wrong. Every rep is nothing less than what you are most capable of, and it is always better than the rep before it. On and off field, you put aside your personal agenda to accomplish the goals of the group. You do everything you can for those around you, knowing that they have your back just as you have theirs. CrownBRASS means undeniable confidence in everything you do, from how you take care of yourself and your belongings, how you treat your fellow members, staff, and anyone you come into contact with, to how you play every note and take every step.

What is the CrownBRASS commitment to excellence?

The CrownBRASS program is built from the ground up on a foundation of excellence in everything we do. That excellence is apparent in how we place our rehearsal materials on the ground, our breathing, playing, articulation, movement, etc. always doing so exactly the same way. We are sure that all of our responsibilities off the field are managed in the most efficient and suitable way for the rest of the brass section and the drum corps. CrownBRASS means excellence in everything we do, in all aspects of life.

How do I sign up to audition for CrownBRASS?

Complete the registration form here. After registering, you will be able to download the CrownBRASS Audition Packet, as well as receive instructions to make a CorpsData account. CorpsData is a database designed specifically for drum corps that allows the administration to efficiently distribute forms, accept fees, invite you to an audition camp for which you will have to submit an RSVP, and allows both the administration and you to see what forms you have or have not submitted as well as any fees you have or have not paid. Make sure you join the CrownBRASS audition page on Facebook for the upcoming season where you will find instructions to also join the Facebook page for your specific section. Joining these pages is mandatory, as they are the source of 100% of member to member communication throughout the audition process.

How should I prepare for my video audition?

First and foremost, purchase and download the Brass Audition Packet which can be found here. Read over the entire document and familiarize yourself with our brass technique program. Inside the packet you will find the audition requirements. Examine them carefully and choose excerpts/scenes that will allow you to demonstrate your highest abilities. At all times when playing, be aware of your sound. How you sound takes precedent over all over aspects of your playing. Those aspects are not to be diminished, but having a great sound is the key to a successful audition. Practice everything to be included in your audition video meticulously and aim for perfection. Before you record your videos you should be able to play all of the requirements 3 times in a row with no mistakes at your highest ability. Record until you are satisfied with the results. Submit a video you can be proud of! If you combine all of the requirements into one video, include time stamps for each requirement. If you choose to upload each requirement individually, make sure to include a title for each link that corresponds to which portion of the audition will be in that video. After you submit your video, you should receive a response from the brass staff with your results. It will still be mandatory to attend camp! All camps are mandatory even if you have received a contract.

What should I do in my live audition?

Always be confident in your own abilities. If you do not believe in yourself, it will be difficult to make the staff believe in you. Always exude confidence, but be aware there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. The easiest way to achieve confidence without crossing that line is to always be as calm, relaxed, comfortable, etc. as possible. Take note of your surroundings. Communicate directly with all of the staff members in the room, and speak loudly and clearly. Stay in control of your nervousness and take your time. When you play, stand comfortably and make sure you are producing the absolute best sound possible. Due to the high volume of auditionees, do not be alarmed if you are stopped in the middle of an excerpt. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have, and most importantly do not be afraid.

What do I need to bring to the audition camp?

The members in the mandatory Facebook pages (see “How do I sign up..” above) will provide you with a packing list for what to bring to camp. For rehearsal you will need the following:

A red, one-gallon, Coleman water jug. Yes it has to be this exact jug. No exceptions! Example

A small tuner such as the Korg TM-40 or TM-50. (We leave these on our towels, rain or shine. It is better to have a cheap tuner get wet than an expensive smartphone!

A slip-connecting PVC ball valve with an inner diameter of ½” for trumpets and mellophones, ¾” for baritones and euphoniums, and 1” for tubas - these are cheap and your local hardware store will know/be able to help you find what you need!

An instrument if possible to bring one. We have a limited supply of corps horns that is reserved for those who fly or cannot bring a horn to use.

What is expected of me throughout the audition camp weekend/process?

A positive attitude and the desire to learn as well as the willingness to do whatever is being asked of you even if that means trying something you have never done before. Throughout the weekend you will hear a lot of information from the staff, some or maybe even most of which you have never heard before. We do everything at Crown in a way that is very specific to us. The best thing you can do is be a sponge and try to absorb as much of that information as you can. Drum corps is all about your attitude and how you adapt to what is going on around you and how you respond to what is being asked of you. You could play like Phil Smith and move like the most seasoned dancer in the world but a negative attitude will eliminate your chances of being offered a spot. Just have a great attitude, soak in as much information as you can, and do everything you are asked to do with your best abilities.